Cysticercosis of the Optic Nerve Sheath

A 30-year-old male presented with acute painful monocular diminution of vision, without any history of trauma or illness. Although the fundus image may resemble other retinal diseases, ophthalmic ultrasonography (US) was critical in detecting the problem. In the US, several scolexes were seen, indicating cysticerci, which are the larval stage of Tenia worm, infecting the optic nerve sheath at its scleral insertion. Only oral steroids were used because the inflammatory and toxic effects of albendazole-induced scolex-lysis on optic nerve function were uncertain. The authors reported no deterioration or recurrence on tapering doses of steroids.